How to make a DIY emergency plunger in case you can’t call a plumber
If you ever found yourself in a situation where you desperately needed to unclog your toilet but the plunger was nowhere to be seen, not to worry.
With this article, you’ll learn how to make an emergency plunger out of whatever materials are available.
Materials:
1. Rolled up newspaper or magazines
2. Plastic bag
3. Water
4. Bucket
5. Sturdy object (optional)
Procedure Take all four items and put them together as shown in the photos above, then take the plastic bag and slide it over one end of the rolled-up newspaper/magazines before tucking it inside tightly so it’s sealed shut at that end once you’re done rolling up the newspapers. If there is water coming down from where your plunger should be or you can’t find your plunger, then it’s time to make a new one before it gets too ugly. Take the rolled-up newspaper and place it in the toilet bowl carefully (you don’t want to splash any water on yourself). Twist and push down as hard as you can until the clog is removed; if there isn’t enough water coming down to cover up the end of your makeshift plunger (and there probably won’t be), take the bucket and fill halfway with tap water.
Then take the bucket and pour some of this excess water into/onto top of your “plunger” for suction power. Repeat steps 2 & 3 above again but continue repeating all remnants of sewage have been removed from your toilet until you’re satisfied that it’s perfectly useable again. Make sure the plunger is completely dry before storing it away for next time, otherwise mold will form and no one wants that…
DIY Emergency Plunger- What you need:
1/2 inch PVC pipe cut into 4 equal pieces.
Dowel Rod that fits snugly inside the PVC pipe.
Drill or screwdriver for making a hole in dowel rod, and also to tighten the threaded PVC joints.
What to do with your DIY emergency plunger:
A typical plunger has a bell shape bottom allowing it to create suction against the blocked drainpipe. This design allows clog matter to be sucked out of the blocked drainpipe by creating air pressure under water allowing for clearing of blockages caused by hair, soap scum , grease among other things stuck inside the pipes. Version is created using a different connection for creating air pressure.
You’ll need to make a hole in the middle of your dowel rod using a drill or screwdriver. Place your PVC piping over the dowel rod and tighten the connection using a wrench.
Place the plunger over the drain opening and plunge up and down until the clog has been removed from the blocked drainpipe. If you don’t have a dowel rod, you can use a stick that fits into the PVC pipe instead. If a plunger is unable to create suction against the drainpipe, try running water through the plunger before plunging it back down- this helps fluidize any blockage stuck inside pipes making it easier for the plunger to unclog pipes when plunging underwater.
You may need to do the steps above several times before suction pressure is strong enough to clear out the clog. This DIY emergency plunger does not create as much suction as a typical plunger, but it does help remove blockages that are stuck inside blocked pipes.
Technical Details:
There are different kinds of plumber plungers available on the market today from simple single-piece rubber types. To double-piece plungers which include a bell-shaped bottom and a flanged outer edge. For creating maximum suction against drain openings even when submerged underwater. Most professional plumbers prefer using a flanged plunger. Because it clears out any blockage stuck inside blocked drainpipes easier compared to other plunger designs. A one-piece rubber plunger is less effective compared to other plunger designs but can help unclog stuck blockages in drainpipes. Which are better than nothing when a standard plunger cannot create suction against clogged pipes.
Some flange plungers come fitted with a bell shape bottom and also feature an extended flange ring. For creating maximum contact area while using the plunger to remove blockages from blocked drain openings. The inner rubber surface of the plunger should be soft enough for creating good air pressure. That will help remove blockage found inside blocked drains through water displacement. And also to prevent scratches on porcelain or metal surfaces where it comes into contact with while cleaning out clogs.
Conclusion:
The DIY emergency plunger is a simple and effective alternative for unclogging blocked drain openings. This plunger design is created using ready-made plumbing materials available at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. Plumbers normally use standard flanged plungers with a bell shape bottom. And an extended edge ring to create suction against clogged drains. Where it creates maximum contact area with the drain opening while submerged underwater.